Advancing Step by Step

Recorded by Venerable HaiZe on 13 March 2022, during the Thrice Yearning Ceremony.

The True Cost of Awakening

Awakening is the most cherished aspiration for every disciple of the Buddha. It is the moment when the true nature is revealed, and the cycle of confusion is broken. However, one must understand that such a profound achievement is never a matter of chance or sudden luck. It is the result of long, arduous, and diligent practice.

The Vigilance of the Practitioner

How does one attain this state? It requires a level of commitment that is rare in the mundane world. While the rest of the world may be lost in the slumber of ignorance, the practitioner remains awake and alert. This is the essence of diligent practice: to maintain clarity of mind when others are distracted by the illusions of the world.

The Foundation of Letting Go

To progress on this path, one must learn to "see through" and "let go" of the myriad attachments that bind the heart. This is not a passive act, but a wholehearted commitment to purity. By releasing the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future, the practitioner clears the way for wisdom to manifest.

The Quiet Path to Success

True spiritual achievements are built in the quiet moments of daily life. One must never be lax in their spiritual duties. By consistently listening to sutras and hearing the Dharma, one builds a foundation of wisdom that supports every step forward. Do not be deceived by external appearances or the desire for quick results. The true measure of success lies in the hidden, consistent effort made behind the scenes. It is this steady, step-by-step advancement that ultimately leads to the realisation of Buddhahood.

Namo Amituofo